Digital melanoma arises from melanocytes in the nail bed or digit and should always be considered biologically malignant, regardless of how benign it may appear under the microscope. This is an important distinction from cutaneous melanoma of the haired skin, where most tumours are benign. The tumour typically presents as swelling of a single toe, often with loss or deformity of the nail, and may initially be mistaken for an infection or nail injury. X-rays often reveal destruction of the bone within the affected toe. The metastatic rate is intermediate between cutaneous and oral melanoma — meaningful but not as high as the oral form. Treatment involves amputation of the affected digit, which dogs tolerate very well functionally. Dark-coated breeds including Rottweilers, Labrador Retrievers, and Schnauzers appear to be at higher risk.